HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION (HEC)

Education Testing Council (ETC) — Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) 2026

Purpose: The HAT is required for students seeking admission into MS and M.Phil. programs at public and private Pakistani universities, as well as for candidates applying for HEC scholarships.

👥 Who Can Apply?

The test is open to individuals who have completed 16 years of education (or equivalent) and fall into any of the following profiles:

• Students interested in pursuing an MS or M.Phil. degree in Pakistani universities.

• Candidates who have already submitted applications for MS/M.Phil. admissions or HEC scholarships via the HEC E-portal.

• Students who plan to apply for HEC scholarship programs in the future.

🗂️ Test Categories & Question Breakup

Candidates must select a test category matching their academic background or the requirements of their target university. Once selected, the category cannot be changed.

📊 Passing Criteria & Score Validity

• Qualifying Score: A minimum of 50 out of 100 marks is required to pass the test.

• Validity: The official HAT test score remains valid for two (02) years from the date of the exam.

📅 Test Schedule & Timeline

• Registration Portal Open: Sunday, May 17, 2026

• Last Date for Online Registration: Sunday, June 07, 2026 (until 24:00 hours)

• HAT Test Date: Sunday, July 05, 2026

• Test Frequency: ETC administers the HAT on a quarterly basis.

Note: Any schedule adjustments will be updated on the official websites: hec.gov.pk and etc.hec.gov.pk.

💻 Step-by-Step Application Instructions

1. Registration and Submission

• Create an account and apply via etc.hec.gov.pk. For technical system difficulties, visit onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.

• Crucial Action: Your form must be explicitly SUBMITTED. Applications remaining in SAVE or INCOMPLETE modes will be discarded automatically.

• Resolve all profile queries or technical system complaints before the deadline; no changes are allowed afterward due to security logistics.

2. Profile Verification Rules

• Ensure that personal metrics (Name, CNIC, Mobile Number) match your legal documentation perfectly. If there is a mismatch between your CNIC and your test application details, entry to the examination center will be denied.

• You must register using your own CNIC. Applications processed under a parent's or sibling's identity are strictly prohibited.

3. Fee Payment Method

• Generate a consumer number on the portal and pay the test fee via 1Link / 1Bill Invoice services.

• Once paid, you must click "Verify Online Payment" on your ETC Dashboard.

• The test registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

📝 Test Day Rules & Regulations

• Roll Number Slips: Available for download on the ETC portal and dispatched via email one week before the test date. Email is the backup channel for candidates with network-converted mobile numbers, as automated SMS tracking may fail on shifted networks.

• Entry Requirements: You must bring a physical printout of the Roll Number Slip and your Original CNIC or Passport to enter the center.

• Test Venue Management: Tests are held in major cities. Venues cannot be changed after submission. However, ETC reserves the right to reassign a center if a specific station fails to meet a minimum threshold of 250 applicants.

• Banned Items: Mobile phones, calculators, cameras, recording tools, or electronic media devices are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.

• Legal Note: Copying, uploading, or distributing images of the examination question book is a severe security breach subject to official legal action under ETC rules.

📞 Support & Institutional Contacts

• Address: Education Testing Council, Higher Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad.

• Helpline Support: 051-111-119-432 | 0334-111-9432

• Web Portal: https://etc.hec.gov.pk

PID(I) 9223/25